2016 Playoffs - Round One

Scattered showers around the area gave way to a warm and clear evening as the playoffs got underway tonight.

In the "A" Flight, the Southpaws shot the low round of the night, posting an impressive 85 and hold a four stroke advantage after round one. Andy Koetstra had the low round of the evening shooting a 25 to lead the Fat Shafts to the only other sub 90 round as they scored an 89.

Andy Koetstra starts his round on hole #1.

The Rolling Stones are seven shots off the pace with a 92 while the KGB posted a round of 97.

In the "B" Flight, just one stroke separates the Dubbers and Whizbangers. Tom St.Denis turned in a round of 31 to help his team to a total of 97 while the Whizbangers scored a 98. The Bogies are only six strokes back after putting up a 103 while the Hackers struggled and shot 113.

Over in the "C" Flight, the Wedgers have a little wiggle room after Norm Toyne posted a round of 28 to lead his team to a score of 97. The Latecomers are 7 strokes off the lead after a round of 104. CCCP scored 108 on the night and are 11 shots back while the Fivesome have some ground to make up after scoring  a 111.

The second round from the white tees goes next Wednesday evening with the final 18 from the blue tees taking place on the 10th followed by the wrap up party.

Playoff Standings

"A" Flight
1. Southpaws - 85
2. Fat Shafts - 89
3. Rolling Stones - 92
4. KGB - 97

"B" Flight
1. Dubbers - 97
2. Whizbangers - 98
3. Bogies - 103
4. Hackers - 113

"C" Flight
1. Wedgers - 97
2. Latecomers - 104
3. CCCP - 108
4. Fivesome - 111

Fat Shafts Shoot 88

On this first night of double points play, the opportunity for some teams to make a move in the standings was there for the taking. But it also meant you could fall in the standings as well. Tonight we saw a little of both. 

KGB took advantage moving from fifth to third place leapfrogging a couple of teams.

Al Wilkinson fires a shot on #12.

The Hackers also moved up two places into fifth place. This meant some teams faltered as the Rolling Stones and Latecomers each fell two places to sixth and eighth spot. The Wedgers also moved up two places to ninth after doubling their season total in one night. 

We have a new leader for the Team Low Gross as the Fat Shafts turned in a solid round of 88. The low individual rounds with a score of 28 were shot by Norm Toyne, Andy Koetstra and Paul Dicrescenzo. 

Three teams swept their matches as the Hackers, Wedgers and KGB grabbed 12 points each.

Kyle Wilkinson intense on hole 14.

The Fat Shafts increased their lead slightly by taking 10 points. The Whizbangers and Southpaws each took 8 points while the Bogies and Latecomers snagged four. The Rolling Stones earned a pair of points for the night. 

The Closest to the Pin winners were Marty McDonald on hole #9 while Kyle Wilkinson hit the pin on hole #18 for the honour. The 50/50 winner was Rob Campbell.

2015 Playoffs - Final Eighteen (Nine)

Our luck finally ran out. After a season of amazing weather on Wednesday nights, our final round and party were met with rainy and cold conditions.

A pre-game beverage and chat.

Some of the long time members couldn't recall ever having a final day like the one we had today but at least we were still able to play some golf, enjoy another very tasty meal and share some good conversations one final time this season.

Here is a final look at how the playoffs wrapped up on this day. Our final 18 holes had to be shortened to a final nine holes thanks to mother nature.

In the "A" Division, the Southpaws claimed the title after posting a round of 87 for total of 270. That was good enough for a 19 stroke margin of victory over the second place Rolling Stones who shot 105 today and a total of 289 overall. The Fat Shafts turned in a round of 100 to finish four shots back of second with a 293 total. Finishing in fourth were the Dubbers who had a round of 107 and total of 305.

Over in the "B" Division the Wedgers easily held on to their lead to coast to the win. They shot 100 even for a three round total of 279. Moving up to second on the final day were the Whizbangers who shot 92 for a total of 291. Five shots behind them with a score of 296 were was the KGB who had a 103 today. The Fivesome were well back in fourth spot scoring a 119 round and a final total of 322.

The "C" Division was also won by a significant margin. The Bogies ran away with it by posting a 92 today and had a three round total of 288. This was good for a 17 stroke victory over the second place Hackers who shot 99 today and 305 overall. The third place team was the Latecomers shooting 101 in the rain and a 312 total which was two shots better than the CCCP who finished fourth with a total of 314 after turning in a round of 106 for their final round.

Despite the less than ideal conditions there were some good scores posted today. The low round was shared by Tim Donaldson, Andy Koetstra, Denis Schick and Paul Reid who all shot two over par 29. The most honest golfer of the day was Scott Reilly.

There were a total of 14 Closest to the Pin prizes up for grabs. The winners were:
Hole 1: Denis Schick
Hole 2: Steve Westlake
Hole 3: Denis Schick
Hole 4: Dave Walker
Hole 5: Terry Hore
Hole 6: Norm Toyne
Hole 7: Coady MacGillvary
Hole 8: Frank Cusson
Hole 9: Thom Christmann
Hole 10: Mark Kennedy
Hole 11: Paul Scobie
Hole 12: Nick Vangemeren
Hole 17: Tim Donaldson
Hole 18: Mark Kennedy

As always, a special thanks goes out to Steve Powell for all of his hard work, not only for this day but for the entire season.

Watching Jim's tee shot on 10.

Our thanks to Tom and Alida St. Denis for another fun year and excellent course conditions. Also thanks to Debbie Stewart for her assistance today as well. I would also like to pass along my thanks to those of you who took the time to visit the blog this season and especially those who allowed me to post photos and videos of them. If all goes well, I'll be back to do it again next season.

Don't forget, as long as we're able to, we will still be golfing on Wednesday evening and everyone is invited to come out and take part in the scrambles and fun. If we don't see you, have a great safe and happy off season and we look forward to seeing you again next Spring.

2015 Playoffs - Final Standings

"A" Division
1. Southpaws - 270
2. Rolling Stones - 289
3. Fat Shafts - 293
4. Dubbers - 305

"B" Division
1. Wedgers - 279
2. Whizbangers - 291
3. K.G.B. - 296
4. Fivesome - 322

"C" Division
1. Bogies - 288
2. Hackers - 305
3. Latecomers - 312
4. C.C.C.P. - 314

Mark putting for birdie on 10.

2015 Playoffs - First Nine

It was a hot night on the old links as we kicked off the 2015 league playoffs and for one particular golfer, the night was even warmer.

Norm Toyne helped his Wedgers team to a lead in the “B” Division by shooting an impressive three under par round of 24. That score combined with the rest of the team produced the low total of the night with an 89. The KGB sit seven shots back with a 96. The Fivesome turned in a 99 while the Whizbangers shot 104.
 
In the “A” Division the scores were more average which will keep things relatively tight heading into round two next Wednesday. The Southpaws and Rolling Stones each posted scores of 94 while the Dubbers shot 97. The Fat Shafts had a less than impressive start but still remain within nine strokes of the lead after posting a 103.

Over on the “C” Division, the Bogies set the high mark by turning in the groups only sub 100 round by shooting a team total of 99. That score gives them a one stroke lead over the CCCP who played to a total of 100. The Latecomers and Hackers also had strong nights and sit six shots out of first after shooting 105 each.

There were eight Closest to the Pin holes to shoot for this evening with four on the front and four on the back nine. The winners were:

Hole #1: Paul Dicrescenzo
Hole #2: Randy Conley
Hole #3: Rick Dean
Hole #4: Jim Turner
Hole #10: Tim Donaldson
Hole #11: Al Wilkinson
Hole #17: Ralph Lampert
Hole #18: Mark Kennedy

Please note that the start time for the final 18 holes on September 12th has been changed to 2:30pm. This is 30 minutes earlier than normal. See you next Wednesday night.

 
2015 Playoff Standings – Week 1

“A” Division
1. Southpaws - 94
1. Rolling Stones – 94
3. Dubbers – 97
4. Fat Shafts – 103

“B” Division
1. Wedgers – 89
2. KGB – 96
3. Fivesome – 99
4. Whizbangers – 104

“C” Division
1. Bogies – 99
2. CCCP – 100
3. Latecomers – 105
3. Hackers – 105

2014 Playoffs - Second 9 Holes

If you believe the weather man I don't think we'll see the same warm conditions on Saturday as we did tonight but as long as it remains dry we won't complain. It was night two of our playoffs and with 18 holes remaining two divisions remain tight while the other has a bit more wiggle room.

Andy Koetstra tees off on hole 15.

The battle in the "A" Flight continues to be tight and is setting up for an interesting Saturday. The first place Rolling Stones were led by Kyle Wilkinson who shot an even par 27. Norm Toyne turned in a very impressive two under par round of 25 to help the Wedgers stay within striking distance only five strokes back. The Southpaws also remain in the mix six shots off the pace.

Over in the "B" Flight the Whizbangers have opened up a bit of a lead on the competition. Jim Rogers posted a score of 30 to lead the charge and give the team a five stroke advantage over the Dubbers who were lead by Jim Conley's round of 31. The Fat Shafts faltered and now sit 10 shots back of first while the CCCP sit 11 shots back.

In the "C" Flight the Bogies have opened up a comfortable 15 stroke advantage over the Latecomers. Paul Reid once again turned in an impressive round of 30 to lead the charge.

Kory Hietala launches his tee shot.

We've seen leads evaporate on the final Saturday so there's always a chance to mount a comeback.

Just a reminder that the final 18 holes will be played this Saturday afternoon with the shotgun start beginning at 3pm. All team members will golf for their teams with the top three for each nine holes counting as usual. The BBQ and festivities will follow in the evening. Please have a designated driver on standby and drink responsibly. Lets have a great final round. See you then.

2014 Playoff Standings - After 18 Holes

"A" Flight

1. Rolling Stones (174)
2. Wedgers (179)
3. Southpaws (180)
4. KGB (187)

"B" Flight

1. Whizbangers (192)
2. Dubbers (197)
3. Fat Shafts (202)
4. CCCP (203)

"C" Flight

1. Bogies (192)
2. Latecomers (207)
3. Hackers (216)
4. Fivesome (217)

And Then There Were Two

 Just two weeks remain in the regular season and teams continue to jockey for playoff positions. Things remain tight for some and the last two weeks could make all the difference.

The skies looked threatening prior to tonight's round but foul weather passed us by luckily.

Bench in memory of Don Kovanen.

Norm Toyne had the lone low score for the evening by shooting an even par 27.

Four teams swept all six points up for grabs with the Hackers, Southpaws, Wedgers and CCCP winning their matches. The Whizbangers and Fivesome came close to sweeping by taking five points. The Dubbers and Latecomers each earned single points.

Lyle Williams was this week's 50/50 winner while Steve Westlake and Andy Koetstra grabbed the Closest to the Pin prizes on holes #5 and #14.

It was also nice to see the new bench sitting by hole #15 in memory of the late Don Kovanen of the Bogies who passed away last year. I know we'll all pause and think of Don when we pass by each round.

See you next week.

Stones Still Hot

Kyle Wilkinson tees off on the first hole.

The Rolling Stones turned in another impressive team effort tonight by matching last week's Team Low Gross score of 82. The Stones were led by Matt Couperus who posted a round of one under par 53 for the evening by shooting 26 & 27. Norm Toyne posted a nine hole score of 25 for the second week in a row falling just short of tying the Individual Low Gross set last week by Kyle Wilkinson.

Ryan Cuculuzzi makes his putt.

Ryan Cuculuzzi saved his best shot for his second last hole of the night and grabbed the Closest to the Pin prize on hole #8. Tim Donaldson also took the honours on hole #17. The 50/50 was won by Al Wilkinson.

Four teams swept their matches tonight as the Hackers, KGB, Southpaws and Wedgers took all 12 points up for grabs. The Rolling Stones earned 11 points, the Latecomers took 7 points with the Whizbangers getting 5 points and the Fat Shafts managed a single point.

I believe next week we're back to the usual 9 hole rounds as we're now officially into the second half of the season. See you then.

Don Muldoon gets some help from Dave Walker to figure out the scores.

2013 Playoffs - Round One

The first round of the 2013 playoffs got off to a sizzling start tonight on a few fronts.

Cooling down on the deck following a humid round.

After a summer nearly void of any real heat and humidity it returned with a vengeance tonight as the season and summer approaches an end. If the humidity didn't bother you, perhaps the bugs did as they seemed to be thriving in the weather conditions.

But the weather wasn't the only thing hot tonight as several teams turned in some very impressive rounds to start the short playoff run.

In the "A" Flight the Rolling Stones turned in the lowest team gross of the season shooting an 84 to set the pace. It comes one week too late to claim the regular season prize but it did pace the Stones to a four stroke lead after the first nine holes. The Wedgers sit in second place after posting an 88. The regular season champion Southpaws had a solid round of 90 and trail by six strokes while the Dubbers shot a round of 95 and are 11 shots out of first.

Over on the "B" Flight the Whizbangers who finished the season in sixth place looked more like a team that should be competing in the division above after shooting an 89. This gives them a fairly comfortable cushion heading into next week as they lead the second place KGB by five strokes after they posted a 94. The Fat Shafts struggled and posted a round of 103 and find themselves 14 shots off the pace. The Latecomers who had a very strong regular season faltered on night one shooting 112.

One of the more notable stories for the night was in the "C" Division as the CCCP shot one of their most impressive rounds in recent memory as they scored a 96. Not to be outdone, the Bogies also played well and find themselves one shot back after posting a 97. The Hackers combined to shoot 110 while the Fivesome sit in fourth place after playing to a 111 total.

Norm Toyne had the low round of the night as he helped his Wedgers team by shooting a one under par 26.

Next week we play nine more holes from the White Tees before moving to the Blue Tees for the final round of 18 holes on Saturday September 7th. That will be followed by our annual year-end party and meal.

The Standings after the first nine holes are as follows:

"A" Division

1. Rolling Stones - 84
2. Wedgers - 88
3. Southpaws - 90
4. Dubbers - 95

"B" Division

1. Whizbangers - 89
2. KGB - 94
3. Fat Shafts - 103
4. Latecomers - 112

"C" Division

1. CCCP - 96
2. Bogies - 97
3. Hackers - 110
4. Fivesome - 111

That Went By Fast

The final points of the regular season are added up after the round.

Just like that another regular season of Men's League golf has come to an end. We've been lucky with the weather for most of the season and hopefully that trend will continue as we move into the next two weeks of playoff action.

For the second year in a row the Southpaws will be crowned Regular Season Champions. They amassed a total of 105 points this year which was 15 points better than the second place Rolling Stones.

Norm Toyne's single round score of 25 held up as the Individual Low Gross winner while the Southpaws Team Gross of 87 was best for the season.

Wrapping things up tonight, five teams took all six points available in their matches. This included the Fivesome, Southpaws, Dubbers, Wedgers and KGB. The Rolling Stones earned five points and the Latecomers took one point.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Dave Walker on hole #9 and Nick Vangemeren on hole #18. Paul Scobie was this weeks 50/50 winner.

The low individual score of the evening was 27 shot by three different golfers, Kyle Wilkinson, Tom St.Denis and Nick Vangemeren.

The Playoffs start next Wednesday night. The next two Wednesday's will be nine holes each from the white tees with the final 18 holes from the blue tees on Saturday September 7th. This will be followed by our annual wrap-up party.

Good Luck to everyone!

Lost In Transit

Sorry guys but there won't be an update this week.

Rick Dean gets his par on Hole 6.

After getting all the information from the evening's round, I misplaced it somewhere between the golf course and home and can't find it. I'm guessing it fell out of my pocket when I took my phone or keys out.

My apologies. That's the first time that's happened since I started doing this.

All I can tell you is that we have just one week of regular season golf remaining before the playoffs begin.

I also want to congratulate Norm Toyne for winning the Murray Hills Golf Club Championships last weekend. He edged Andy Koetstra by one stroke on the final hole. Also congratulations to Steve Westlake who was this year's winner in the Senior Men's division.

See you Wednesday night.

We've Been Lucky

The boys share some laughs after a hot night of golfing.

I think it's safe to say that we've been very fortunate this season to avoid the nasty weather on Wednesday nights so far. I hope I didn't just jinx us. Once again, threatening skies and a severe thunderstorm watch never developed into anything and other than the dampness caused by the humidity, it was another hot and dry night for golf.

The standings are still crowded in the middle of the pack with several teams competing for the last spots of the "A" division but time is running out to make a move. If the top teams keep playing well then jumping divisions could be a difficult task.

Improving their chances tonight by taking six points were the Latecomers and Fat Shafts while the first place Southpaws also grabbed six in their match. The KGB and Wedgers each earned five points while the Rolling Stones took four points. Also earning points tonight were the Hackers with two while the Fivesome and Dubbers each grabbed single points.

Andy Koetstra turned in another low round of 26 coming shy by one stroke once again of tying Norm Toyne for the Individual Low Gross.

Lyle Williams tee shot on hole #3 barely crept past Mark Kennedy's shot to take the Closest to the Pin on the front nine while Norm Toyne stuck his shot close on hole #12. This weeks 50/50 winner was Jeff Istead.

18 Holes - Week Three

The first place Southpaws turned in an impressive nine hole round tonight shooting a team total of 87 which was good enough to take over the Team Low Gross lead by themselves. However, their match versus the Dubbers was fairly even with the Southpaws taking 7 points and the Dubbers 5.

The Whizbangers were the only team to take all 12 points up for grabs during this final week of 18 holes. The Wedgers came close to doing the same but fell short taking 11 points in their match with the Fat Shafts who earned a single point. The Bogies grabbed 10 points from the CCCP as the Russians earned two points. Elsewhere the Latecomers took 8 points, the Rolling Stones and KGB split their match earning 6 points each and the Hackers took 4 points.

The low round of the night went to Norm Toyne of the Wedgers with a 25 which matches his previous lowest of the season and good enough to hold the lead for Individual Low Gross honours.

The Closest to the Pin prizes were won by Paul Scobie on Hole #1 and Andy Koetstra on Hole #10. Marty MacDonald was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Just a reminder that starting next week we're back to playing nine holes for the rest of the season.

Toyne Tears It Up

Steve Powell adds up his match totals for the night.

There was no questioning who had the hot clubs tonight. Norm Toyne of the Wedgers became the new Individual Low Gross Leader by turning in a tremendous 2-under par round of 25. Among his pars, Toyne also had three birdies and even had a bogey on the final hole to shoot his impressive round.

Not surprisingly, the Wedgers took all six points in their match. Also sweeping their matches were the Fat Shafts, Whizbangers, Southpaws and Latecomers. The Dubbers took five points from the Rolling Stones who earned a single point.

The Closest to the Pin winners for the night were Kevin Wadsworth on hole #4 and Coady McGillvary on hole #13. Rick Turtle was this weeks 50/50 winner.

2012 Playoffs - Round One

The arrival of the playoffs seemed to elevate the play of many of the members tonight with some wonderful scores turned in.

Congrats Norm Toyne on your 20th Ace.

Jim Conley posted a very impressive round of 25 which came just one week too late to win the Individual Low Gross title for the season but it went a long way towards helping his Dubbers team stay close in the "B" Division.

Norm Toyne also turned in the fourth hole in one in five weeks for the league and the 20th ace of his career as he sank his tee shot on the 97 yard sixth hole. Congratulations Norm on the milestone.

The Standings after the first nine playoff holes are as follows:

"A" Division

1. Rolling Stones (89)

2. Southpaws (92)

3. KGB (95)

4. Fat Shafts (102)

"B" Division

1. Whizbangers (87)

2. Wedgers (89)

3. Dubbers (92)

4. Fivesome (101)

"C" Division

1. CCCP (97)

2. Bogies (103)

3. Latecomers (107)

4. Hackers (110)

Next Wednesday night we play nine more holes from the white tees followed by 18 holes from the blue tees on Saturday September 8th and the wrap-up party.

Defosse Celebrates Birthday In Style

On the night of his 55th birthday, Kim Defosse proved that getting older only improves your game as he shot a one-under 26 to tie Norm Toyne for the Individual Low Gross.

As if that wasn't good enough, Defosse also grabbed some extra cash by sticking his tee shot close on hole #8 to win the Closest to the Pin. Al Wilkinson had the most accurate shot on the back nine as he stuck it closest on hole #17. The 50/50 winner this week was Kevin Wadsworth.

Ten out of 12 teams managed to earn points this evening with the Bogies and Southpaws each taking all six in their matches. The Rolling Stones earned five points. The Whizbangers, Latecomers and KGB grabbed four each. The Hackers and CCCP improved their totals by two points while the Dubbers managed a single point. 

Just a reminder that next Wednesday is our first week of playing 18 holes so be prepared to stay a little later than normal.

Toyne Sets The New Low Gross

On a night when the winds were less tornado like than in previous weeks, Norm Toyne took advantage and recorded the new Individual Low Gross score. Toyne's 26 was one stroke better than the previous best by Steve Westlake.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Tim Donaldson on Hole #3 and Michael Shick on Hole #12. Jim Turner was the 50/50 winner.

Only four teams managed to sweep all the points in their matches as the Rolling Stones, Wedgers, Whizbangers and Latecomers all grabbed six points. The Southpaws and Bogies earned four points each while the Dubbers and CCCP each earned two points.

Let The Playoffs Begin

And just like that, another regular season of golf came to an end. I swear the seasons go by faster every year but they're always enjoyable.

The playoff divisions are now set but I have yet to get the Official Final Standings with the tie-breakers having been determined. At this point it really doesn't matter a whole lot as everyone is on their own. The playoffs will begin next Wednesday night with nine holes from the white tees followed by another nine holes from the forward tees the Wednesday after that. The final 18 holes and party will take place on Saturday September 10th, usually starting at 3pm.

To wrap up the regular season matches tonight, the Fat Shafts, KGB, Southpaws and Rolling Stones all took six points. The Dubbers and Latecomers earned four points while the Bogies and Wedgers took two points each.

The 50/50 winner was Coady McGillvary. The Closest to the Pin winners were Norm Toyne on #1 and Al Wilkinson on #10.

Getting Close To The End

With the completion of tonight's round, we now have just two weeks of regular season golf left before the playoffs begin. This means teams are running out of time to make a move to either improve their positions in the standings or to sandbag and drop down a few spots.

It wouldn't be a report if I didn't mention the weather and I can't speak for everyone but that might have been the most ideal weather conditions for golf we've had this season. The temperature was comfortable and the bugs were few and far between.

Just three teams swept their matches tonight as the Whizbangers, CCCP and Latecomers each took six points. The Fat Shafts and KGB earned five points, the Southpaws four, Dubbers two and the Wedgers and Rolling Stones took a single point each.

Norm Toyne was dialed in on hole #8 with the pin located on the top deck and won the Closest to the Pin while Jerry Powell stuck it close on hole #17. Dave Walker was this weeks 50/50 winner.

To those of you golfing in the Club Championships this weekend we wish you best of luck and stay dry.

Nine Holes of Sunshine

Isn't it nice that the weather wasn't a factor on a Wednesday night? OK, maybe it was a little breezy but at least we didn't get washed away or melt. It was an ideal night for a round of golf.

Four teams took all six points in their matches tonight. They included the Southpaws, Fat Shafts, Dubbers and Wedgers. The Dubbers jumped into first place with their solid effort this evening. Rolling Stones earned five points while the Fivesome had four, Hackers took two and the Bogies a single point.

Glen Lonergan's first tee shot of the night held up for the Closest to the Pin prize on hole #4 while Norm Toyne took it on hole #13. The ever elusive Dave Maybee was the 50/50 winner.

All of our members send best wishes to Harry Morris.

Maybe June Will Be Nicer

It's starting to get a little old isn't it? Once again tonight we found ourselves golfing under cloudy skies and although we didn't get soaked, it did rain just enough to remind us it must be Wednesday night. At least the bugs weren't too bad.

The Dubbers managed to take all six points from the Bogies who had yet to give up a single point this season. Also taking six points were the Hackers, Southpaws and KGB. The Fat Shafts earned five points, Rolling Stones 4, Whizbangers 2 and the Fivesome one.

Rick Dean had the low round of the night shooting even par which was good enough to move him into a tie with Norm Toyne for the Individual Low Gross.

Dean also grabbed the Closest to the Pin honours on hole #6 while Tim Donaldson was closest on hole #15. Bob Donaldson was the 50/50 winner.